NWF State's Chandler commits to Oregon

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:10 PM.

NICEVILLE – For the second straight year, the University of Oregon has dipped into the Florida Panhandle to find a piece for its basketball team.

A year after Northwest Florida State All-American forward Elgin Cook signed with the Ducks after helping NWF State reach the NJCAA National title game, Raider sophomore center Michael Chandler has decided to follow in Cook’s footsteps. Chandler, a 6-foot-11 center from Indianapolis, committed to Oregon on Tuesday night.

“I was just really comfortable with Oregon and the coaching staff,” said Chandler on Wednesday. “Oregon has been recruiting me since high school, and I’ve had a relationship with the coaching staff for a long time.

“I am glad to get this recruiting process out of the way so I can now get focused on winning games this season.”

In Chandler, Oregon will get a player blessed with size and athleticism down low. Hampered by a foot injury during his freshman season, Chandler averaged five points while starting just seven games in his first year at NWF State. Still, Chandler is expected by new Raider head coach Steve DeMeo to be an integral part of the NWF State attack this season.

“He’s got so much potential, and he’s practicing really well right now,” said DeMeo. "Coach [Dana] Altman and his staff will help Michael become a special player and a really special person. We are very excited that Michael is going to such a place like Oregon."

Chandler originally signed with Central Florida out of Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, where he averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds as a senior. After failing to qualify, he chose to attend NWF State, where he is on track to qualify academically for Oregon.

Coming out of high school in 2011, Chandler was a top 50 prospect nationally.

"Michael's upside is very high," DeMeo said. "He will help defend the post and can score well around the basket. He also has range to 17 feet."

Chandler visited the Oregon campus last weekend, and committed two days later. NWF State's season begins Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff against Motlow State.

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NICEVILLE – For the second straight year, the University of Oregon has dipped into the Florida Panhandle to find a piece for its basketball team.

A year after Northwest Florida State All-American forward Elgin Cook signed with the Ducks after helping NWF State reach the NJCAA National title game, Raider sophomore center Michael Chandler has decided to follow in Cook’s footsteps. Chandler, a 6-foot-11 center from Indianapolis, committed to Oregon on Tuesday night.

“I was just really comfortable with Oregon and the coaching staff,” said Chandler on Wednesday. “Oregon has been recruiting me since high school, and I’ve had a relationship with the coaching staff for a long time.

“I am glad to get this recruiting process out of the way so I can now get focused on winning games this season.”

In Chandler, Oregon will get a player blessed with size and athleticism down low. Hampered by a foot injury during his freshman season, Chandler averaged five points while starting just seven games in his first year at NWF State. Still, Chandler is expected by new Raider head coach Steve DeMeo to be an integral part of the NWF State attack this season.

“He’s got so much potential, and he’s practicing really well right now,” said DeMeo. "Coach [Dana] Altman and his staff will help Michael become a special player and a really special person. We are very excited that Michael is going to such a place like Oregon."

Chandler originally signed with Central Florida out of Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, where he averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds as a senior. After failing to qualify, he chose to attend NWF State, where he is on track to qualify academically for Oregon.

Coming out of high school in 2011, Chandler was a top 50 prospect nationally.

"Michael's upside is very high," DeMeo said. "He will help defend the post and can score well around the basket. He also has range to 17 feet."

Chandler visited the Oregon campus last weekend, and committed two days later. NWF State's season begins Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff against Motlow State.